This year's engaging pre-conference events, exciting tours of model projects, and in-conference networking forums make this "more than a conference." And the conference program itself has over 100 diverse, cutting-edge sessions spanning three full days.

Sign up NOW: Register online before the January 14 deadline. The special $95 room rate at the Westin Charlotte Hotel is only available until January 10.

Networking forums: The number one reason why participants flock to this event each year is to network with their peers and many others outside their disciplines. This year, the conference organizers are providing several more opportunities within the program for participants to network around timely smart growth issues. These informal gatherings will focus on implementing green building and sustainable design; the unique challenges of smart growth in small towns and rural areas; Health Impact Assessments for new and experienced practitioners; smart growth strategies, tools and resources in southern states; new federal technical assistance for sustainable communities; advocacy building; and continuing the conversation on better connecting environmental justice, equitable development, and smart growth.

Pre-conference workshop on smarter codes: Fourteen leading smart growth practitioners, led by renowned urbanist Andrés Duany, explore "How to Achieve your Smart Growth Goals through Zoning Code Reform" in a day-long pre-conference workshop (Feb. 2). Learn about the most timely and cost-effective ways cities have, to get from sprawl-inducing conventional zoning to comprehensive coding for creating healthy, walkable communities. Visit http://www.transect.org/education.html#workshops to get more details and to register!

Three-day pre-conference tour: Join walkability expert Dan Burden for an action-packed 3-day tour (Jan. 31-Feb. 2) from Charlotte to surrounding suburbs, converted mill towns and villages, to the mountain city of Asheville. Learn how smart growth strategies are being implemented in communities of all sizes and shapes in this vibrant region. Visit http://www.newpartners.org/features.html to get more details and to register!

Local tours of model projects: Pick from among eight shorter tours on Thursday morning and afternoon, featuring a range of revitalized and historic neighborhoods, great mixed-use centers and Main Streets, transit-oriented development and form-based codes, complete streets, and light-rail catalysts for redevelopment (Feb. 3). After the conference, three more tours will explore small-town livability in Davidson, walk Downtown Charlotte, or ride around Charlotte's bicycle-friendly community on Sunday morning (Feb. 6).
Get Lots of Credit: New expect nearly all of the 100 conference sessions to be approved for AICP accreditation. Check the website for information about accredited sessions.

See the New Partners for Smart Growth conference web site. Web link: www.NewPartners.org

Michele Warren, Local Government Commission
1303 J St., Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95814 USA
phone: 916-448-1198 x 308; email: [email protected]